NERC Orders Private Substations to Secure Permits Within 45 Days to Strengthen Nigeria’s Grid
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered all owners of private transmission substations connected to the national grid to obtain regulatory permits within 45 days. The move, outlined in Order No. NERC/2026/013, aims to tighten oversight and improve the stability and reliability of Nigeria’s power network. NERC announced the directive on its verified X handle, emphasizing that the measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen supervision of privately operated grid infrastructure.
The commission explained that private substation operators must secure an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) Permit before connecting to or operating on the national grid. This step comes after repeated transmission line trips reported by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), raising concerns over grid safety and operational visibility. NERC said the order is essential for ensuring compliance with the national Grid Code and improving overall electricity delivery.
Under the directive, NISO has been tasked with compiling a full list of all existing Private Transmission Substation Owners (PTSOs) and notifying them of the new requirements within five days. Existing PTSOs must apply for the IETNO permit within the 45-day timeframe, while new operators are required to secure the permit before any connection to the grid. Non-compliance will attract regulatory sanctions, signaling NERC’s commitment to accountability.
To enhance monitoring, NISO will deploy IoT-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days. Operators must also submit monthly operational reports, while NISO will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. According to NERC, these steps are designed to enhance transparency, grid stability, and the overall regulatory oversight of Nigeria’s electricity supply system.
This latest move builds on previous regulatory actions aimed at improving accountability in the electricity market. Earlier this month, NERC directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of N20.33 billion to customers who purchased meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. While generation and distribution have been privatized since 2013, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) remains government-owned, highlighting the critical role of regulation in maintaining a reliable power supply across the country.
source: The Sun